Page 105 of Splintered Hearts

She picks at her mug before looking up. “I have a question to ask you.” She chances a glance at the door as if she can see him sleeping from here. “I’ve argued with him for hours since Xavi called me, yet in the span of ten minutes you’ve got him lying down and sleeping.”

Is she mad? “I didn’t mean to overstep, I’m sorry—”

“Oh, no.” She smiles. “I’d like to ask you a favor—and know that you can say no, but please hear me out.”

“Okay . . .”

“I don’t know if it’s something to do with his childhood. He’s hardwired to let himself suffer. You know he was in foster care, Iassume?” I nod. “Well...” She chews her bottom lip. Speaking a bit lower she continues. “That boy has lived with more suffering than any one person should have to handle. I don’t think in his own mind he thinks he deserves to live a comfortable life. This is always how it is, though. If there’s a way to ease his pain, he runs in the opposite direction. I’ve tried to get him help but—”

“You can’t help someone who doesn’t want to help themselves.”

She smiles sadly, nodding. “He’s an adult and can make his own choices, no matter how stupid they are.” She laughs. “I need help.”

“What?”

“I was wondering if you would mind taking two weeks off work to make sure he’s getting the rest he needs.”

My jaw drops. “But... my job. I love the library. I’m not qualified to care for someone like that.”

“Within ten minutes you had him lying down with the promise to eat and take his meds. I don’t know anyone more qualified.”

“But . . . my job.”

“Your job isn’t going anywhere. I’ll be paying you what I would any other caregiver. I would never jeopardize your job or your living, Noah. I’ll put in a leave of absence for two weeks, and once it’s up you come right back. Nothing changes.”

“I don’t . . . I mean that’s . . .” Everything is spinning.

“I just need you to look out for him like you just did. He’s clearly comfortable with you, and listens. If you don’t want to that’s okay, I won’t be mad. Your job is secure either way. I’m just asking because he needs to rest and take his medication. I can’t lose another kid.” My heart twists with the break in her voice.

“I want to ask him first and see if he’s okay with it.”

I can’t grab on to any coherent thoughts. Would Jamie even want me to? Something warms in her face. “Why don’t you twotalk and let me know. Don’t worry about rent for the month either, and don’t worry about your job. We love you there.” She stands, nodding. “Of course. Just let me know by tomorrow. It’s okay if you don’t want to, I’ll just need to find another caregiver.” Well, I don’t want that, at all.

I stand as she gathers me in a tight hug. “I will.”

We walk out into the living room where Jamie is sound asleep, snoring a little. She smiles at him. “He’s cute when he’s not all growly, isn’t he?” She laughs.

“He’s not that bad.” And I kind of like the growly side of him.

She squeezes my arm. “Thank you for being here, Noah.” She opens the door. “No pressure. Let me know what you decide, okay? Have a good night.”

“Noah.” Opening my eyes, Jamie is wincing as he leans over to tug my sweats. “Sorry. Someone’s at the door.”

“Oh.” I don’t know when I fell asleep, but I rub my eyes as I get up to pay the delivery person. My stomach clenches at the smell of food. Fuck, I’m hungry. Locking the door, I come around, grabbing the remote. “Any requests?”

“I don’t care.” So I putSemantic Erroron.

“Haven’t you watched this already?”

“It’s a comfort show and I’m too tired to really pay attention. Do you want to watch something else?”

“I like this one,” he says.

Taking out the food, I set his soup aside. “Do you want a bowl, or use this cup?”

“This is fine.”

Jamie attempts to sit up, wincing. “I’ll grab the meds when you’re done. Get you the good shit that makes you loopy.”

---